Hollywood can be a superficial rat race to the top but those who endure the test of time, going on to achieve lasting success are the ones who stay real and grounded. I have to admit, given his good looks and charming personality, I expected my interview with Antonio to be cut and dry but it was anything but. His answers to my questions revealed a sensitive family man with a sincere love and appreciation for the art of acting.

Antonio Sabato Jr soap star

Italian heartthrob, Antonio Sabato Jr first gained attention as a Calvin Klein model, but he’s best known for his lengthy career in the world of soap operas like General Hospital, Bold and the Beautiful and dramas such as Melrose Place. In his recent work, he’s proven his adaptability as an actor, delving into the realm of reality tv appearing on VH1’s But Can They Sing?, NBC’s Celebrity Circusand more recently, his own reality dating show in 2009,My Antonio.

Antonio Sabato Jr reality dating

From as early as he can remember, Antonio says there was no doubt he wanted to be an actor. A big movie buff and growing up with a father who was in the acting scene, he considers his parents to be his biggest mentors. Born in Italy, he came to the US at the age of 13 with his parents and siblings and attributes American culture to be his greatest influencing factor.

With a long, successful acting career under his belt, Antonio has taken on the role of mentor, paving the way for children to embrace their acting dreams at the Antonio Sabato Jr Academy for Children. When asked what advice he would give someone just starting out in acting, “You truly have to love it, cherish it, and respect it. The business is very difficult and you have to put hard work into it to sustain the hard times.”

Antonio Sabato Jr on Bike

Hollywood is full of live and learn experiences but Antonio says he doesn’t suffer from regret. “Each day is the most important day of your life because it’s what we have now. Don’t worry about what happens tomorrow and you can’t change yesterday.”

His dashing good looks would be the first thing that comes to mind when we think about his strengths as an actor but he considers his sensitivity to be his greatest strength saying it allows him to open up, be more real and to care about the character.

What would his dream role be? He says most of his friends who know him well would say his acting wish list includes playing the role of a superhero like Batman, but Antonio says his ideal role would be something with integrity and great directors. He doesn’t really have favorite role of all time and has enjoyed all of his diverse acting projects.

On the personal front, his recent marriage to wife Cheryl has a very synchronistic twist. His reality show My Antoniowas filmed in Hawaii, but he didn’t end up finding love on the show. Instead, he met his wife in Los Angeles who happens to be from Hawaii. Madly in love and with three children, Antonio says he does everything for his family.

Antonio Sabato Jr on Bike

With more than twenty years in the biz and turning 42 this month, he has no plans to stop anytime soon. Writing, directing and producing are on the horizon and a new reality show is in the works. This will allow him to embrace another love of his: Fixing things. The show, calledFix It and Finish It will embark on over 150 projects, touring the countryside fixing up everything from RV’s and boats to tree houses. The show will air on major networks across North America.

As the new celebrity spokesperson for AnastasiaDate, an online dating website, Antonio says he enjoys helping other men find the love of their life like he did. His blog features practical dating tips, advice and tools for men. To read the latest post, visit Under the Sheets: Tips From a Celebrity Wingman.

What is one quirk we don’t know about Antonio? He loves cartoons and in particular, Japanese animation. He’s also a home body and says he tries to spend as much down time with his family as he can because when he does have to work, he can be on the road a while.

Antonio’s best piece of advice: “Respect others as much as you want to be respected.”

Michelle Arbeau is an internationally recognized Celebrity Numerologist, author, inspirational speaker and radio/tv host. She has a Hollywood clientele base that includes Twilight vampires, Big Bang Theoryactress, Pirates of the Caribbean actor, NBC Director, Celebrity stylist and many more.

A media favorite and considered an expert in her field, Michelle is frequently a repeat guest on national outlets such as CBC Radio, CTV Morning Live, Breakfast Television and LA Talk Radio.

As founder and host of Authentic You Radio/TV, Michelle has interviewed many of the top authors, speakers and celebrities in her quest to inspire and empower others to live with authenticity.

Her upcoming books, The Energy of Words: Harness the Vibration of Language & Transform Your Life and Soul Numbers: Decipher the Message from Your Inner Self to Successfully Navigate Lifeare the product of combining her love of numbers with her passion for helping others to find purpose, meaning and joy in life. (Book Release Dates October & December 2013). Visit Michelle Arbeau online.